Free green waste disposal to help fire prep

Published on 26 September 2023

Two weather systems – El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole – will mean hotter and drier conditions over spring and summer, leading to a higher fire risk.

In addition, recent wet conditions have increased grass growth, so there is a higher risk of grassfires coming into summer.

Corangamite Shire Council is offering free domestic green waste disposal to Shire residents from Saturday 14 October to Sunday 5 November to help community members get ready for fire season.

In addition, kerbside collection customers can jump-start their fire safety clean-ups thanks to extra FOGO bin pick-ups.

The green-lidded Food Organics and Garden Organics bins will be collected weekly, instead of fortnightly, from Monday 9 October until the end of the year.

Community Safety and Resilience Coordinator Belinda Bennett said non-commercial customers could drop off green waste at the Naroghid Landfill and all Shire transfer stations.

“The free green waste drop off is to encourage residents to clean up their properties in preparation for the fire season,” Ms Bennett said.

“It’s shaping up to be a drier and hotter season earlier, so we will really need to have fire risks reduced as we come into the fire danger period.

“Things are still quite green, but it only takes two weeks of hot, dry weather for green vegetation to become a serious hazard.

“Preparation is the key. Now is the time to reduce fuel loads by managing grass growth and cleaning up bark, twigs, leaves and other organic matter around your property.

“Clean dead leaves out of your gutters and off roofs, and get rid of dry grass, leaves, twigs and bark that can build up in corners or under steps and decks.

“Cut back branches overhanging your home and prune lower ones to create separation from ground vegetation.

“Normally a heaped trailer or ute load of green waste would cost $38.80 to dispose of, so this is a great chance for people to clean-up around their properties for free.”

“One overgrown block can pose a hazard to a whole neighbourhood so protect your home, and your neighbours, and clean up now.”

Ms Bennett encouraged residents to have a fire plan and know what to do if there is a fire. “Now is the best time to understand your fire risk and get prepared, not when a fire starts,” he said. “You can download a helpful guide from cfa.vic.gov.au/firereadykit

“We are looking to commence fire inspections in early October.”

For more information about fire prevention, click here or call 5593 7100.